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“We have to give our one hundred and twenty percent to defend the title” – these were the first few words of Virat Kohli as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) began their preparations for the IPL 2026 season.
Kohli sought full commitment from each and every player of the team to retain their hard-earned trophy, which they achieved after a long wait of 18 years. Rajat Patidar is the captain of the team, but Virat Kohli is the life of the franchise. As they asked him to deliver, he delivered in style.
RCB has created history by winning the title in two consecutive seasons.
Royal Challengers Bangalore is now one of the few franchises to have successfully defended their title. Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings are the other two teams to have achieved this in the past.
A few days after winning the 2026 trophy, on the morning of June 9, Virat Kohli shared a heartfelt post from his officials’ ‘X’ account, highlighting the preparations made to make the feat possible.
Virat Kohli wrote in his ‘X’ post, “The season started with belief. Ended with back-to-back titles. This team lived every emotion together. The heights, the pressure, the hurdles and the unwavering support. It feels extra special because… this place is home.”
Started the season with confidence. Ended with back to back titles.
This team lived every emotion together. Heights, pressure, obstacles and unwavering support. It feels extra special because…this place is home! @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/H02HdsHCX3– Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) June 9, 2026
Kohli gave another great season
As the charismatic batsman says, success comes from relationships, hard work and mindset. Virat has been with this franchise since the beginning of the Indian Premier League. He saw the difficulties, struggles before climbing the mountain top. Virat calls RCB ‘home’ as it holds countless memories and emotions, accumulated over the years.
At the age of 37, when most players hang up their pads and shoes, Virat Kohli still has the hunger to score runs and has the passion and enthusiasm for the game. IPL 2026 season was another season where the great Indian cricketer scored more than 600 runs.
In IPL 2026, the Royal Challengers Bangalore opening batsman scored 675 runs in 16 matches and in any innings at an average of 56.25 and a strike rate of 165.84. According to the demands of today’s T20 format, he batted with a better strike rate. While Kohli’s average strike rate in the league is 134.79, his strike rate in the IPL 2026 season was more than 165.
In the final match against Gujarat Titans, the Delhi-born player played a match-defining innings and retained the title of ‘chase-master’. Kohli remained unbeaten on 75 runs in 42 balls to ensure victory in the summit clash. His innings of 75 runs included nine fours and three sixes.
Virat Kohli ruled out of India vs Afghanistan ODI series
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli has been ruled out of the India vs Afghanistan ODI series due to a hamstring injury. He suffered this injury during the final of the IPL 2026 season. As per the recent updates, the batsman will require a few weeks to regain his match fitness. If reports are to be believed, the recovery process may take six weeks.